2 Chapter 2 - Leaving Home

"Of course we're going!" They yelled in unison, this was their dreams coming true! Although they did not expect that they would be invited by legendary "the Holy Church" as their members... but they were excited about the prospects of becoming legends. Senior Priest Hayden smiled gently at both of them before nodding. "Very good, all of you are coming with me to the capital then..." he paused for a moment as he noticed mystified looks by the boys, realizing that they were in the rural area, they probably didn't even know the true vastness of their world! Senior Priest Hayden let out a gentle laugh. "The capital is... I suppose you could call it 'biggest city' in this province. The land of this world can be said to be endless! Some other people believe there is an end; we just have yet to truly reach it." He paused for a moment.

"The land we are located in is called 'Dior Province', it is a land ruled by the Dior Family. You could consider them as being extremely powerful nobles! The capital of Dior Province is 'Aerus City'. This is where you four will be living for an extended period of time. For the Dior Province, our Holy Church's "headquarters" is located in Aerus City." Taking another pause to take a breath before continuing speaking to enlighten the young ones of the world. " Of course, it isn't our true headquarters - the true bastion of the Holy Church is about ten provinces away! If we were to travel there it would take us roughly about a year or so, and that's if everything goes smoothly!" Senior Priest Hayden exclaimed and shook his head.

"So it's far too time-consuming and difficult to send all four of you -- especially you two -- " Hayden gestured at Archos and Virion " -- to the main Church, instead we will train you at Aerus City. Do you understand?" All four child nodded, with excitement gleaming in their eyes, unaware of difficult training that would be coming for them to truly shape them into being part of the Holy Church's fearsome force. The four children were escorted back to their families by Senior Priest Hayden before informing them of good news. Archos' parents were especially joyous and were extremely proud of Archos. His mother, Jovinna told Archos "I'm so glad you were able to follow your dreams! I'm even more relieved that Virion will be following you! Now, remember you must always listen to Virion! You very well know who between of you rascals have a better brain!" Archos groaned and waved his hand "Yeah I know, mom! I won't do reckless stuff! But... I'll miss you and everyone here..."

Jovinna nodded and hugged her son tightly while his father, Jorus clasped his son's shoulder tightly. Jovinna said "It will be difficult but I believe you are destined for great things and I will always love you no matter what you do! Just remember that this place will always be your home, darling." While Archos had touching farewell with his parents, Virion returned to his home to see his parents. They weren't as joyous as Archos' parents, instead, they were glum. "Why did you have to show off? Now you're being sent to Holy Church! What you're thinking?! You..." Virion held his hand up. "I know. I'll be careful, don't worry I'll come home before it's time up." His ruby eyes rolled at the parents. The father of Virion frowned before crossing his arms and bluntly asked; "The reason you're going... It could be that you're following Archos? You aren't that stupid right?" Virion gave a cold look at his father. "Goodbye." Then promptly left his place, his mood glum before he knew it, he arrived at the main square and saw Archos grinning and waving at his parents broadly. Virion only sighs and smiled softly at Archos. 'Only if things were easier', he thought before waving at Archos and calling out his name "Archos! Are you ready?!" Archos shouted back at Virion "Definitely! Our adventure is about to start! We'll be always at each other's back, right?!" Virion laughed and nodded.

Senior Priest Hayden arrived along with other remaining two children. "Everyone's ready then? We'll be setting off to the capital now." Everyone nodded, they had made their farewell and preparations. Now, it is time for their journey of a lifetime to begin... The children and Senior Priest of the Holy Church got on a caravan and started traveling toward the capital. As the children and Hayden sat together in silence as it traveled further and further from the small town they were in. Archos could not bear the silence so he blurted out "Have you ever fought against demons, Senior Priest Hayden?" He was curious since none of them had ever seen or saw an illustration of the demon before, he wanted to know what they were like so he can better prepare to fight against them!

Senior Priest Hayden laughed lightly. "I have. Every and each member of the Holy Church are required to slay a demon before they are officialized as a member of the Holy Church's forces. For time being when you arrive at the capital city, you will be mere 'students of the Holy Church', which then you will be trained and taught by seniors of the Holy Church, including myself -- to hone and find your calling and when you have completed your training you will then receive a mission to slay a demon and more knowledge and information will be revealed to you by then."

Archos nodded as he was satisfied with the information, only now he started wondering. "What kind of training we will have?" Even Virion became interested after hearing this new question. He, too want to know. Senior Priest Hayden mysteriously smiled "Patience, young ones. You will find out soon enough." Archos puffed his cheeks in displeasure while Virion shook his head, letting out a sigh as silence took over again in the caravan as they continued to travel toward the capital.